BEcause the concomitant object of obedience is a quiet Conscience. Concerning peace of Conscience.

The first Question is how peace of Conscience doth depend upon our obedience?

1. Ans. It depends not upon our obedience as upon the principall cause, but rather upon that justification which we have by Christ Jesus, Romans 5. 1. Heb. 10. 22. 1 pet. 3. 21. 1 Cor. 4. 4.

2. They which goe about to rest in themselves, or in their own works, can never finde any solid tranquillity in their

Consciences, both because of the diverse falls, and because of the manifold imperfections, which adhere to the endeavours of the best men, while they live in this World. And hence it is that those that are popish must needs be vexed with perpetuall doubts, both in life, and death, because of the opinion which they have of the Righteousnesse, and Merits of their works, which are yet by their owne confession uncertaine.

3. Secondly, it depends upon our obedience, 1. as upon that whereby the contrary is removed, or as upon that which removes the impediment, 1 Sam. 25. 31. 1 Ioh. 3. 18. 21. 2 As upon the proc[gap]eant cause, or secondary reason thereof, 2 Cor. 1. 12.

4▪ Now this is so to be understood, as that the tranquillity of Conscience in regard of those actions which are agreeable to the Law of God, is to be conceived to depend upon obedience in regard of the thing it selfe: But that tranquillity which respects our state before God, it to be [gap]scribed [gap]o otherwise to our obedience, as to the cause, but only in respect of the certainty of our perceiving of it, and that our obedience respecteth the thing it selfe, as the signe and effect thereof: hence that phrase so of[gap] used by Iohn, By this we know, and such like, Ioh 2. 3. 5. 29. & 3. 10▪ 14. 19. & 4. 13.

5. Peace of Conscience also depends upon obedience, as upon the conservant cause. For righteousnesse (not impu[gap]ed, nor inherent) but of the life and conversation, is the brestplate of a believer, whereby he is guarded, and defended and is perfectly safe, and quiet. Eph. 6. 14. 1 Ioh. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 4. 3. Hence it is that that righteousnesse which consists in obedience, is called the righteousnesse of a good Conscience, Acts 24. 10.

6. Now obedience doth, preserve and maintaine peace of Conscience, not only as a signe of our reconciliation with God, but also as a continuation and an exercise of that life which is acceptable, and pleasing unto God, Col. 1. 10. Thess. 4. 1. Heb. 12. 28. Not that there is any such perfection in our obedience, as can satisfy the Law of God, but because that after our persons by faith in Christ, become acceptable to

God, then by vertue of the same faith, for Christs sake, our obedience though weake, and polluted, is accepted before God, 1 Pet. 2. 5.

The second Question is, what is that obedience, by the presence whereof the Conscience may enjoy peace?

7. Ans. First, an absolute perfection is not required to this tranquillity, for then it were a vain[gap] thing to seeke for it in this life. Iam. 3. 2. 1 Ioh. 1. 10.

8. Yet such a porportion is necessary, as by Gods own testimony in his holy word is acceptable to him, Heb. 11. 2.

9. Thirdly, this perfection consisteth properly in this, that all our studies, and endeavours be good: and the imperfection be only in the manner of performing, Ro. 8. 4.

10. Fourthly, all those imperfections which adhere to our obedience, are with all humiliation of soule to be acknowledged, and pardon for them is to be begged in Faith, Pet. 5.

The third Question is, what kind of tranquility it is which doth arise from such obedience?

11. Ans. First, Such as the obedience it selfe is, that is, various, and imperfect. 2 Cor. 1. 24.

12. Secondly, it doth not therefore exclude motion from evill, unto good, but only that perturbation which ariseth from the apprehension of Gods Anger.

13. Thirdly, Yet notwithstanding it doth as with a guard keepe the soules of the faithfull, Phil. 4. 7. And govern them. Col. 3. 15.

The fourth Question, how may the peace of a good conscience be distinguished from that peace, which is in wicked men?

14. Ans. First, the peace of the wicked is not founded upon the Word of God, but upon vaine words, and imaginations, Ier. 23. 17, 18. 1 Thess. 5. 3.

15. Secondly, the peace of the wicked is not wont to be constant, but is interrupted with many grrpes, and pangs, that come between; and is wont to vanish, when the judgements of God begin to light upon them.

16. Thirdly, the peace of the wicked continues, whether

duties of piety, and righteousnesse be done or omitted, so that only those crimes be abstained from, which their natures, abhor.